Make an impact in health care as a nurse

Nurses provide compassionate care during some of life's most challenging moments. Students at Washburn's Harmony Hines School of Nursing do more than learn about the profession – they live it. Through hands-on, clinical opportunities and simulation training, our nursing program is a leader in the state of Kansas. Whether you’re passionate about obstetrics, pediatrics, community health, emergency medicine or primary care, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and other programs prepare you with the skills to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Join generations of Washburn nurses dedicated to changing lives through exceptional care.

Start your application

A nursing student smiles while taking a patient's blood sugar.

Apply for early acceptance

Secure your spot in the Harmony Hines School of Nursing before you even graduate high school. Washburn University's Early Acceptance Program gives you peace of mind as you begin your journey in healthcare, offering formal admission to our prestigious nursing school in advance. Application review begins August 1.

To qualify, you must:

  • Declare pre-nursing as your major
  • Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.2
  • Include a reference statement from a high school science teacher, your school counselor or an employer

97.5%

NCLEX Pass Rate

Our first-time NCLEX pass rate (2024) surpasses the national pass rate of 91%.

93%

FNP Pass Rate

Our overall FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner 2024) surpasses the national rate of 86%.

100%

Job Placement

Washburn BSN graduates land jobs reporting 100% placement in the healthcare field.

Earn your nursing degree at Washburn

Washburn offers flexible nursing pathways to help you along your academic and professional journey. Whether you are starting with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, planning to pursue graduate studies or aspiring to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, we are here to support your next step.

Some programs offer online course options, making it easier to balance your education with work, family and life commitments. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nursing is projected to be the top profession of the next decade—and with Washburn's robust programs and personalized support, you'll be ready to lead the way.

Clinical opportunities near Topeka

A nursing student loads a syringe.

Hospitals

  • Topeka is home to two major hospitals, a VA medical center and within driving distance of many rural critical access hospitals, providing convenient access to clinical training that often leads to job opportunities after graduation.
Nursing students at a clinic site.

Clinics & Health facilities

  • Experience caring for patients inside a physician’s office or a community health clinic. Topeka’s larger and diverse population provides access to a broad range of clinical sites, helping you discover your passion within the field.
A nursing student pushes a wheelchair while the patient examines flowers along the sidewalk.

Nursing homes

  • Nursing in a long-term care facility offers its own set of challenges and meaningful rewards. Topeka offers a wide range of settings, from larger senior living campuses to smaller community-based operations.
Washburn nursing students with the mobile health van.

Mobile Health Van

  • Washburn's Mobile Health Van gives you a front seat to community healthcare. This clinic on wheels provides free basic preventative healthcare to the community while providing practical experience to our students.
Monica West

Prepare for a successful nursing career

From the age of 9, Monica West dreamed of becoming a nurse, initially setting her sights on labor and delivery. But once she enrolled in Washburn's Harmony Hines School of Nursing, her path shifted in an unexpected and meaningful direction.

"I started looking into critical care and realized that that was something that really spiked my interest," West said. "I really enjoy taking care of critically ill patients."

Driven by ambition and a desire to grow, West chose Washburn for its rigorous academic environment and the close-knit support of its faculty.
"Washburn's Nursing faculty were always there for you and able to help," she said. "You are in smaller groups and able to get one-on-one attention."

Her time as an Ichabod was marked by both academic achievement and leadership. West completed an honors project, served as president of the Student Nurses of Washburn, earned a minor in Leadership and was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

A defining moment in her senior year came when she was selected to deliver the Light the Lamp speech, a meaningful tradition during the School of Nursing's annual ceremony.

Today, West puts her passion into action as a nurse in the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in Topeka, where she continues to live out her calling with dedication and compassion.

Experience nursing firsthand

Learning goes beyond the classroom at the Harmony Hines School of Nursing. Meaningful, hands-on opportunities prepare you to not only care for patients, but to lead others on a healthcare team with confidence and compassion. Experience state-of-the-art simulation labs, where you will practice clinical procedures and patient care scenarios. During clinical rotations, you will work alongside healthcare professionals in a variety of settings. And, Washburn leads several community-based health projects, allowing you to engage directly with local populations to promote health education, wellness and disease prevention.
A small child listens to the heart of a nursing student with her stethoscope while studying abroad in Costa Rica.

Travel the world - study abroad

At the Harmony Hines School of Nursing, education is not confined to campus – or even the country! Expand your horizons through study abroad opportunities, gaining exposure to healthcare in different cultures and resource levels. You will develop a deeper understanding of global health challenges, public health systems and cultural competency. These nursing abroad opportunities enrich both your personal and professional growth.

  • An annual trip to Costa Rica is taken every January during the winter break.
  • A partnership with Fukuoka University in Fukuoka City, Japan allows Washburn students to visit Japan every other year. Fukuoka University students also visit Washburn University.
  • Meets nursing elective requirements.
  • Our faculty continue to explore opportunities to travel to new areas.

Nursing scholarships

Washburn's Harmony Hines School of Nursing offers a wide range of scholarships specifically for nursing students. If you are an undergraduate student who has been admitted to the program and demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential or a commitment to serve your community - take time to apply for these nursing scholarship opportunities.

  • Application period: January 1 - February 15
  • Nursing scholarships stack with other scholarships
  • Travel scholarships are available for study abroad opportunities
A professor and student work together on a patient simulation.

Learn from experienced nurses

Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing has faculty focused on student success. With us, you learn from faculty who not only have been in the field, but currently practice in their area of study. Our faculty bring real world experiences to the classroom.

School of Nursing FAQs

To be eligible for admission to this program, you must have:

  • Completed 30 hours of prerequisite coursework, minimum of eight hours science completed.
    • The Harmony Hines School of Nursing requires that prerequisite courses be completed with a grade of C or better. Please be aware that some general education courses are prerequisites to other courses. For example, MA 112 Contemporary College Math or MA 116 College Algebra, requires a grade of C or better to enroll in MA 140 Statistics or CH 121 General Chemistry. See the pre-licensure requirements in the university catalog for specific prerequisite and general education requirements.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
Clinical opportunities open the door to a whole new world of hands-on learning. At Washburn's Harmony Hines School of Nursing, you will gain practical experience and confidence through real-world training in the fast-paced healthcare environment. Located in the capital city of Kansas, Topeka and the surrounding region offer an exceptional variety of clinical settings – from large hospitals to long-term care settings and medical offices. DNP and PMHNP students also have the flexibility to complete their clinicals at sites within their communities within a variety of states. Whether your passion lies in pediatrics, critical care, geriatrics or community health, there is a clinical placement where you can thrive. Our strong partnerships with healthcare providers within multiple states ensures you will be prepared for whatever specialty you choose.

Life is busy and Washburn's Harmony Hines School of Nursing understands that. Many students do work while attending nursing school. Your clinical and class schedules will change from semester to semester, so your work schedule may also need to change. You may also have opportunities to work in area hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities, especially on the weekends and holidays.
Washburn  BSN nursing graduates find 100% placement in the workforce. Check our Job Board and explore the opportunities provided through the Washburn Career Engagement Office. We can connect you with potential employers and alert you to job fairs, resume building workshops, networking events and more! We are committed to your success – from the classroom to the clinic and beyond. Whether you are seeking your first position or preparing to specialize, Washburn is here to help you achieve your dreams.

GET IN TOUCH WITH School of Nursing

School of Nursing
Petro Allied Health Center
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621-1117

Phone & Fax
785.670.1525
Fax: 785.670.1032

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